Canon 2005 Annual Report Download - page 20

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18
Canon is working to integrate development, manufacturing technology and
know-how from the production plant, with the aim of establishing
new production methods.
Toward the Establishment of New
Production Methods
In 2005, Canon established the Produc-
tion Automation Special Committee to
study and solve issues related to automa-
tion. We believe that automated machin-
ery will become more important in the
future. Expanding production is necessary
in order to continue growing, and we
must develop new manufacturing sys-
tems that are not dependent upon labor
in order to meet our future expansion
needs. Canon aims to automate assembly
procedures through the introduction of
highly productive automated machinery
and robots. Integrated manufacturing is
essential to automation, and Canon’s
synergistic foundation will integrate
development, manufacturing technology
and production know-how. As a step in
this direction, Oita Canon Materials Inc. in
Japan is in the process of establishing
automated unmanned manufacturing in
toner cartridge operations. We also
welcomed Canon Machinery into the
consolidated Group. Canon Machinery
possesses highly advanced technologies
related to the design and production of
automated machinery.
Increasing Efficiency in Production
Canon completely abandoned conveyor-
belt-based production by the end of
2002 in favor of our cell production
system. This innovative approach replaces
assembly lines with small teams of
PRODUCTION
workers, or “cells,” who assemble
products from start to finish. Productivity
improves as individual workers become
more proficient, enabling fewer workers
to complete the assembling tasks. The
cell production system offers great
flexibility, enabling production of just the
required amounts at the necessary times.
One of the numerous tangible benefits of
the system has been a dramatic reduc-
tion of work-in-progress inventory.
As employees master multiple skills
under the cell production system, some
are able to memorize operating manuals
in their entirety and single-handedly
assemble our products. Canon recognizes
these exceptional workers through the
Canon Expert System. Ideas, skills and
know-how derived from cell production
are being utilized in the automation of
production lines.
Enhancing Cost Competitiveness
Canon continues to create innovative
products while achieving cost reductions
through in-house production of devices
and components. We will further expand
This automated toner cartridge assembly line in Japan
strengthens competitiveness by reducing labor costs
A multi-skilled worker assembling MFDs
in Canon Giessen, Germany